Mertesacker declares Italy unworthy of World Cup talk after third miss

Former Germany defender Per Mertesacker told German broadcaster ZDF on Friday evening that Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup – the third consecutive edition they have missed – means the four‑time champions “don’t deserve to be talked about”, a view echoed by ex‑international Christoph Kramer.

The ZDF presenter asked why Italy were absent from the 2026 World Cup, the third edition in a row the Azzurri missed. Mertesacker replied, “Absolutely not! They don’t deserve to be talked about,” a sentiment Kramer echoed with a firm “No!”.

Italy are four‑time World Cup winners but have now missed three successive tournaments. Their last notable World Cup performance was a 2006 semi‑final loss to Germany, which Mertesacker recalled as a time when Italy were a world‑class side.

Mertesacker noted that twenty years later it is difficult to find an exceptional Italian player. He contrasted the past “world‑class side” with the current scarcity of talent.

Kramer stressed his personal admiration for Italy, saying he is a big fan and has many Italian friends. He reminded that Italy won Euro 2020, a triumph that “people tend to forget”.

A Getty Images photo shows goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma looking dejected after Italy’s 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers play‑off loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina on 31 March 2026 at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica. The image captured the disappointment of the Italian side after failing to secure a World Cup berth.

Kramer warned that many children in Italy may never experience a World Cup, given the current absence. The remarks highlight the broader concern for the future of Italian football development.